Tailgate Motor Problem

97BlackAckCL

97BlackAckCL

Elite Member
The motor that closes and locks the tailgate has stopped latching, I have tried to line it up manually, however it does not latch. The motor still functions like it's trying to close, but it just won't grab, I have tried realigning it and it won't close the tailgate. My factory warranty just ran out in Feb so I don't know what to do. I have found the new motor for around $200 wholesale, I'm trying to figure this out and diy rather than go to the dealer. Anyone have experience with this issue? Is the motor toast, or do I just need to realign it somehow?
 
Register to hide this ad
That's a tough one. I don't know if that has happened to too many people. I had the same mechanism on my 93 buick and it never had a problem so I don't think it's too common. Worst part is you can't really even see what's going on. I would say try taking the plastic off the inside of the tailgate and see if that can give you (and the rest of us) any more insight.
 
I know there is an ECU in the rear hatch. I don't know whether it only controls the latch, window or both.
 
97BlackAckCL said:
The motor that closes and locks the tailgate has stopped latching, I have tried to line it up manually, however it does not latch. The motor still functions like it's trying to close, but it just won't grab, I have tried realigning it and it won't close the tailgate. My factory warranty just ran out in Feb so I don't know what to do. I have found the new motor for around $200 wholesale, I'm trying to figure this out and diy rather than go to the dealer. Anyone have experience with this issue? Is the motor toast, or do I just need to realign it somehow?
Click to expand...

I'm dealing with the exact same problem right now. The locking mechanism pulls the hatch in trying to lock it, then pushes it back out unlocking it. Currently my hatch stays closed with rope. :nono: I took the locking mechanism out and put it back in, that's the extent of my ability to fix it without extra help lol. If you figure anything out let me know.
 
Last edited:
Do you close it hard like a normal tailgate or close it gently and let the auto-close do the rest? I feel like I shouldn't ever close it hard because of the mechanism. Can closing it like a regular door damage something? Or is the auto-close there for backup in case you don't close it hard enough?
 
I usually let the auto-lock kick in. I've only had the 4runner for about a year so I don't know how the previous owners shut the tail-gate.
 
Mine is also being held with rope. I don't slam the door ever, I close it to the auto lock and let it do the rest, I think I didn't close it hard enough and it got thrown off.
 
Tailgate Latch

I just had the latch assembly replaced for about $400. I was experiencing the same thing, and the mechanic said that the motor had shorted out due to excessive dust. I'm not surprised; the weatherstripping along the rear window frayed long ago, and I often drive dirt roads.
 
I'm dealing with the same thing right now too. The electric motor seemed like such a cool idea until now ha. I've done all the reading on it and it seems like the best/easiest solution is to replace the motor. Good call on the buying it whole sale though, before I found the part online for $200, I was looking at getting the sucker-chumps at the Toyota garage to fix it, and they wanted $450 for the part, not including labour :wow:
 
2003 Tailgate not latching

There is a pin about 1 inch or so If I recall? that needs to be bent back in place
It can get bent over time from wear and tear and slamming.

Bend it back and away you latch will work.

I will try and send a pic I am in the process of replacing my Regulator.
Tip.. Keep the Rust check to the latch and window regulator if you live in Canada. The 4 mounting bolts on the Window cannot be bought separate you need to buy a window:($$ So keep the rust at bay to save in the long run.
 
Last edited:
When I got my T4R almost a year ago the first thing I thought about this tailgate motor thing was "that's going to be expensive to replace when it goes". Mine is still OK, but I was wondering if it might be possible to replace it with an old fashioned manual latch if it does die.
 
Porda said:
I'm dealing with the same thing right now too. The electric motor seemed like such a cool idea until now ha. I've done all the reading on it and it seems like the best/easiest solution is to replace the motor. Good call on the buying it whole sale though, before I found the part online for $200, I was looking at getting the sucker-chumps at the Toyota garage to fix it, and they wanted $450 for the part, not including labour :wow:
Click to expand...

Yep, I got mine for $205 shipped, anyone have a diy guide on how to replace it? I searched, but haven't come up with anything
 
97BlackAckCL said:
Yep, I got mine for $205 shipped, anyone have a diy guide on how to replace it? I searched, but haven't come up with anything
Click to expand...

I just did mine, does solve the problem.

It is a very simple job, took 10 mins were talking using a microwave simple.

I unplugged the battery
Pull off the back panel and it will pop out, just put a screw driver under it and pop it off around the edges. It will still be held by a bolt. On the back plastic panel you want to pop out the small plastic piece where the nylon pull down latch is located. Take the bolt off. Your should be able to lift the back panel up and see the motor. unplug the motor and pull it out and put the new one in.
 
Last edited:
Thanks, the only thing I was confused about is the shoelace that's taped to it? Seems like it's holding the one tab in place or something?
 
Replacing it was super easy, however now it doesn't appear to have any power. Anyone know what fuses to check? I checked the tailgate fuse in the interior fuse box and it was fine.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 433 (members: 5, guests: 428)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,304
Messages
3,554,041
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top